Spending Responsibly  |  Enhancing Academics

If we are going to make it through these trying times, we need a new approach. We cannot continue to rely on programs, items or services that serve only one purpose.  We cannot continue to run the district without knowing what we are getting for our money and stretching each dollar as far as possible.

 

This is attainable only through questioning, research, and new ways of thinking about things. We must find ways to do things differently, to partner with community members and businesses, to achieve multiple goals with each item.

 

How do we do this?  It’s not easy.  But one of the great things about the diversity in our community is the wealth of information and resources we all offer.  We each have something to add:  an idea, a thought, a new way of looking at something.  We can learn from each other and together make our school district even stronger.

Spending Responsibly:  A School District is a Business

A new approach is without question needed for the business of running the school district.  And running a business it is – a $53 million business, with a tremendous amount of complexity.  Our current administration is doing a job worthy of an Excellent rating in identifying and implementing efficiencies – but we also need Board of Education members with the experience, creativity and commitment to help, who can provide guidance and ideas for stretching our funds and lessening the burden on our taxpayers as much as possible.

Enhancing Academics:  When a TV is More than a TV

How does this apply to the educational side of the district?  It’s no longer enough for a TV to be simply a TV – just ask the Kings Local District.  They have developed a program where TV screens are information portals, outlets to add academic programs, ways to showcase student work, and places to expose students to educational content.  But that’s not all – they will also pay for themselves, over time, through after-school advertising.

 

There are many more ways to use this same approach of “getting more” to benefit Milford’s students.  Just recently, I have heard ideas for real-life economics exposure for our kids; an opportunity for kids to participate in an entrepreneurial program; a way to get kids excited about learning financial literacy concepts; a program that supported teachers by providing classroom supplies; an international program for exposing kids to another culture; another international program that provides a place for kids to publish their writing and artwork; and so on.

 

These are ideas and programs that come from individuals, companies and non-profit organizations. They are ways we can enhance learning without increasing cost. There are many more - we just have to look and be willing to change and adapt.

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